The Most Beautiful Architectural Structure in the World, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the architectural structure you think is the most beautiful!
Updated on Apr 22, 2024 06:20
Throughout history, architecture has served as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of civilizations past and present. By ranking the most beautiful architectural structures around the world, we engage in a celebration of this heritage. This activity not only connects us with the marvels of ancient and contemporary worlds but also stirs a sense of pride and wonder in our global cultural accomplishments.
Engaging in the ranking process empowers individuals to share their perspectives and preferences, contributing to a broader cultural dialogue. As votes pour in from around the globe, the rankings dynamically reflect the diverse tastes and opinions of a worldwide audience. This unique collective effort helps to highlight and promote an appreciation of architectural beauty as seen through the eyes of people from various backgrounds.
What Is the Most Beautiful Architectural Structure in the World?
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156votesThe Taj Mahal is a stunning masterpiece of Islamic architecture, located in Agra, India. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The white marble structure is known for its intricate carvings, beautiful gardens, and reflection pool.The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
- Construction Period: 1632-1653
- Architectural Style: Mughal
- Materials Used: White Marble, Red Sandstone
- Height: 73 meters (240 feet)
- Length: 75 meters (246 feet)
Taj Mahal, India in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful temple in the world
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216votesThe Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and stands as a symbol of modern architecture. The tower is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and has a height of 828 meters. The building features a unique design, with a spiraling shape that tapers towards the top.Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is known for its stunning architecture and unique design. Standing at a height of 828 meters, it is considered the tallest man-made structure in the world. The Burj Khalifa has become an iconic symbol of Dubai's modernity and technological advancements.
- Height: 828 meters (2,722 feet)
- Floors: 163
- Construction Started: 2004
- Construction Completed: 2010
- Total Cost: $1.5 billion USD
Burj Khalifa, Dubai in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful skyscraper in the world
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331votes
Canaan · CC BY-SA 4.0Sagrada Familia, Spain
Antoni GaudíThe Sagrada Familia is a massive Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi and is known for its unique and complex design. The church has been under construction for over 130 years and is still not complete.The Sagrada Familia is a breathtaking architectural masterpiece located in Barcelona, Spain. It is a basilica that is often considered one of the most beautiful and iconic structures in the world. The construction of Sagrada Familia started in 1882 and is still ongoing, with an estimated completion date set for 2026. It was designed by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, who dedicated over 40 years of his life to this project before his death in 1926. Gaudí's unique style, blending Gothic and Art Nouveau elements, is clearly visible in every aspect of this magnificent structure.- Nave Width: 60 meters (197 feet)
- Exterior Facades: Three (Nativity, Passion, and Glory)
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Construction Start Year: 1882
- Expected Completion Year: 2026
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415votesThe Sydney Opera House is an iconic structure located in Sydney, Australia. It was designed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon and is known for its unique sail-like design. The building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.The Sydney Opera House is an iconic multi-venue performing arts center located in Sydney, Australia. It is renowned for its exceptional architectural design and is considered one of the most beautiful and distinctive buildings in the world. The structure is situated on Bennelong Point, overlooking the stunning Sydney Harbour, and has become a prominent symbol of Australia's cultural identity and architectural excellence.
- Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney, Australia
- Construction Period: 1959-1973
- Architectural Style: Expressionist
- Number of Venues: 7
- Number of Performance Spaces: 5
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524votes
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0Petra, Jordan
NabataeansPetra is an ancient city located in Jordan, known for its unique architecture carved into the rock. The city was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and features stunning temples, tombs, and amphitheaters. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the world.Petra is a historical and archaeological city in the southern part of Jordan known for its stunning sandstone rock-cut architecture and ancient water conduit system. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Jordan.- Location: Southern Jordan
- Date of construction: 312 BCE
- Architectural Style: Hellenistic
- Petra's Monuments: The Treasury, Monastery, Royal Tombs, Temple of Al-Deir
- Water Conduit System: Innovative engineering systems that provided water for Petra’s citizens and agriculture
Petra, Jordan in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most beautiful land on Earth
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614votesThe Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built along the northern borders of China. The wall was built to protect China from invasion and is considered one of the most impressive architectural feats in history. The wall spans over 13,000 miles and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe.
- Length: 13,171 miles (21,196 kilometers)
- Height: Varies between 15-30 feet (5-9 meters)
- Width: Varies between 15-30 feet (5-9 meters)
- Construction Material: Stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials
- Age: Over 2,000 years old (construction began in the 7th century BCE)
The Great Wall of China in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous building
- Position 9 of 10 in Most romantic places to kiss
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular seven wonders of the world
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715votesSt. Peter's Basilica is a stunning Renaissance church located in Vatican City. It was designed by a number of architects, including Michelangelo, and is known for its ornate interior and impressive dome. The church is the largest in the world and is considered one of the most important Christian sites.St. Peter's Basilica, located in Vatican City, is one of the most beautiful architectural structures in the world. It is a renowned symbol of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, serving as the primary papal shrine and the burial site of Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. The basilica stands prominently in St. Peter's Square, and its grandeur and architectural magnificence attract millions of visitors annually.
- Architectural Style: Renaissance and Baroque
- Height: 137 meters (452 feet)
- Area: 21,095 square meters (227,060 square feet)
- Facade Material: Travertine stone
- Dome Diameter: 42 meters (138 feet)
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86votes
Machu Picchu, Peru
The Inca civilizationMachu Picchu is an ancient Incan city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The city was built in the 15th century and features stunning stone structures and terraces. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the world.Machu Picchu is a sprawling fortress and temple complex from the Inca civilization, located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. This ancient city is known for its unique blend of precise construction and stunning natural surroundings, making it a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.- Location: Andes Mountains, Peru
- Built: 15th century AD
- Type: Fortress/temple complex
- Size: 13 square kilometers
- Elevation: 2,430 meters (7,970 feet)
Machu Picchu, Peru in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful land on Earth
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular location on Instagram
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914votes
Fotimaifotemi@gmail.com · CC BY-SA 4.0Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
Yousef AbdelkyThe Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a stunning mosque located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The mosque is known for its stunning white marble and gold accents, as well as its impressive size. The mosque can accommodate up to 41,000 worshippers at once and is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the world.The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a stunning architectural masterpiece located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is one of the largest mosques in the world and showcases the fusion of modern and traditional Islamic architecture. The mosque was designed by Syrian architect Yousef Abdelky and was completed in 2007 after 10 years of construction.- Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Architecture Style: Modern and traditional Islamic architecture
- Size: Covering an area of about 30 acres with a capacity of over 40,000 worshippers
- Minarets: Four towering minarets standing at a height of 107 meters each
- Dome: A central dome with a diameter of 32.8 meters and a height of 85 meters
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109votes
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
King Suryavarman IIAngkor Wat is a massive temple complex located in Cambodia. The complex was built in the 12th century and features stunning Khmer architecture and intricate carvings. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the world.Angkor Wat is a temple complex and the largest religious monument in the world. It was originally built in the early 12th century as a Hindu temple, but gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple by the end of the same century. It is located in Cambodia, and is now a World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.- Built: Early 12th century
- Creator: King Suryavarman II
- Religion: Originally Hindu, later transformed into Buddhist
- Size: 162.6 hectares
- Height: 65 meters
Angkor Wat, Cambodia in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful temple in the world
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Ranking factors for beautiful architectural structure
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Aesthetic AppealThe overall visual appeal of the structure, including its design, color, shape, and artistic elements. A beautiful architectural structure should be visually stunning and pleasing to the eye.
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Historical SignificanceThe importance of the structure in relation to its place in history, cultural heritage, and contribution to society. This may include the time period in which it was built, its architect, or its role in a historical event.
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Cultural InfluenceThe impact of the structure on the world, including how it has influenced other architects, artists, and designers. This may include the structure's iconic status or how it has come to represent a specific culture or style.
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Ingenuity and InnovationThe level of creativity, uniqueness, and technological achievement in the design and construction of the structure. This may include the use of innovative materials, building techniques, or solutions to specific design problems.
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Functionality and PurposeThe practical use and purpose of the structure, as well as how well it meets the needs of its users. This may include the layout, accessibility, and sustainability of the building, as well as how well it integrates with its surroundings.
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Environmental SustainabilityThe impact of the structure on the environment, including its use of energy-efficient technologies, materials, and building practices. This may also include the structure's ability to adapt to changes in climate or its integration with the natural environment.
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Context and SettingThe relationship of the structure to its surroundings, including other buildings, landscapes, and the larger urban, regional, or global context. This may include how well the structure fits into its environment, its impact on the skyline, or how it interacts with nearby structures.
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Craftsmanship and DetailingThe quality of the construction, materials, and finishes used in the structure, as well as the attention to detail in its design. This may include the intricacy of ornamentation, the skill of the artisans who built it, or the use of high-quality materials.
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Uniqueness and OriginalityThe extent to which the structure stands out from others due to its unique design, architectural style, or innovative features. A beautiful architectural structure should have a distinctive character that sets it apart from others.
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Legacy and LongevityThe enduring impact and influence of the structure, both in terms of its physical durability and its impact on architecture and design over time. A beautiful architectural structure should inspire future generations and stand the test of time.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful architectural structure in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Building is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1424 views
- 194 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Building once every 24 hours. The rank of each Building is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most beautiful architectural structure in the world
Architecture has been an integral part of human civilization, with stunning structures that have stood the test of time. From the pyramids of Egypt to the modern skyscrapers of Manhattan, architecture has reflected the cultural, social, and economic values of societies. The beauty of architectural structures is more than just aesthetics; it also represents the ingenuity, creativity, and craftsmanship of the architects and builders. The quest for the most beautiful architectural structure in the world is an endless pursuit, as opinions vary depending on personal, cultural, and historical perspectives. In this article, we will explore some of the most beautiful architectural structures in the world, based on their design, historical significance, and impact on the world.
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